Pastor Charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter After Baptism Drowning in Birmingham
Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old pastor, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of Robert Smith, a 61-year-old man from Brixton, during a baptism ceremony in October 2023. The incident occurred at a private residence on Slade Road in Erdington, Birmingham, where Smith drowned in a paddling pool set up in the back garden. The ceremony was filmed and livestreamed to a congregation of approximately twelve people. Despite emergency services arriving promptly with multiple vehicles including an air ambulance, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed sufficient evidence exists for criminal proceedings, emphasizing the public interest in pursuing the case while cautioning against online commentary that could prejudice the trial. Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 14.
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Pastor Charged with Gross Negligence Manslaughter After Baptism Drowning in Birmingham
Cheryl Bartley, a 48-year-old pastor, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of Robert Smith, a 61-year-old man from Brixton, during a baptism ceremony in October 2023. The incident occurred at a private residence on Slade Road in Erdington, Birmingham, where Smith drowned in a paddling pool set up in the back garden. The ceremony was filmed and livestreamed to a congregation of approximately twelve people. Despite emergency services arriving promptly with multiple vehicles including an air ambulance, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed sufficient evidence exists for criminal proceedings, emphasizing the public interest in pursuing the case while cautioning against online commentary that could prejudice the trial. Bartley is scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on May 14.
The Guardian